THE INJURIOUS SCALE INSECTS AND MEALY BUGS, &c. 225 
Kew, where it was found infesting both Holly and Buscus liypoglossum. 
It appears not to be confined to the Holly, and should therefore be 
regarded with suspicion, and not be allowed to establish itself on fruit 
trees. Coccids so often prove omnivorous, or nearly so, that it is 
advisable at all times to guard against possible attacks. 
From its frequent occurrence upon the Oleander this insect has 
received the above appellation, and it was also scientifically named after 
that plant by Bouche. But it is a very general feeder ; indeed, it may 
justly be said to be omnivorous. This habit and the varying character 
of the covering scale in a great measure created for it a list of synonyms. 
In his recent work on all the known species of the genus Dr. Gustavo 
Leonardi gives a list of twenty-six distinct names ! Only those whO' 
have worked at the synonymy of plants and animals know what such a 
task means, and we welcome Dr. Leonardi's great work. 
In the young adults the covering scale is pure w^iite, but old scales 
generally become dull straw-coloured. The bright yellow spot usually 
seen towards the centre is the cast skin of the larva, which, although at 
first covered by secretion, eventually becomes exposed. 
The female eggs and larvfe of this species are also of a yellow colour^ 
while the pretty little male is yellow, thickly spotted and mottled with 
purple or red-brown spots. 
White Oleander Scale 
{Asjndiokcs heeler c, Vallot=^. nerii, Bouche). 
Fig. 96. — San Jose Scale 
(Asindiotiis perniciosus) on Peach branches (nat. size). 
